Charla Johnston

Funeral Service: Monday, April 9, 2007 at 11:00 am at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City

Interment: will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City

Charla Gay Johnston, age 50, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at the Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings after a long illness.

Charla was born in Miles City, Montana on January 2, 1957, the daughter of Frank L. and Emma (Olson) Johnston.Charla went to school in Miles City, graduating in the 1976 class of Custer County District High School. While undergoing a basketball physical during her sophomore year it was discovered that she had renal failure. She was donated a kidney by her father, Frank in 1975. This was the only family kidney available as her mom and other six siblings were of another blood type. The use of this kidney failed in five years due to a high fever with a virus. She was on dialysis for many years before undergoing a second transplant in 1989 with a cadaver kidney. This kidney did remarkably well as she had it for 17 years. Back on dialysis her body continued to deteriorate.Charla was a very giving person. She worked with Girl Scouts as well as nursing homes and home health care. She loved her family and babysitting for family and friends was a special joy. At the time of her death she was a resident of Billings Health and Rehabilitation Care Facility where she was always helping her fellow residents.

Charla is survived by her father, Frank Johnston of Miles City, MT; six siblings: Brenda Johnston of Miles City, MT; Wanda Rasmussen and her husband Bud of Grenora, ND; Carla Ferris of Miles City, MT; Marla Malley of Miles City, MT; Kevin Johnston and his wife Mary of Miles City, MT; and Lowell Johnston of Miles City, MT; numerous nieces and nephews, Aunts Hazel Wetherelt of Broadus, MT, Ruby Olson of Broadus, MT, Caroline E. Olson of Tacoma, WA and Leona Wright of Montesano, Washington and numerous cousins.

Charla was preceded in death by her mother; Emma Johnston, grandparents Eddie and Emma Olson and Ethel and Lowel Johnston and numerous aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 9, 2007 at 11:00 am at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.Should friends desire memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Preschool; 221 South Center Ave., Miles City, MT 59301 or to the charity of one's choice.